The leaders of Slovakia Robert Fico and Hungary, Viktor Orban have now signalled that they might obstruct European Union declarations at an upcoming summit unless the bloc calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and initiates talks with Russia. This stance comes ahead of an EU leaders’ summit convened by European Council President Antonio Costa to address issues like defence spending, continued support for Kyiv, and to showcase unity after US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s humiliating treatment of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office earlier this week.
Zelensky is set to attend the EU summit after a separate scheduled meeting with international partners in London—an event from which Slovak and Hungarian representatives have been excluded. Ahead of the summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a letter to Costa, urging the EU to drop plans for a unified declaration backing Ukraine. Instead, Orban advocated for direct engagement with Russia, mirroring the US approach, and called for immediate ceasefire discussions. This is a practical approach suggested by the Hungarian Prime Minister.
Orban, known for his practicle approach when it comes to Russia. He knows Europe is not going to displace Russia as their neighbours. Hence, despite fighting, a diplomatic approach will bring more results and peace to Europe.
He emphasized that the EU should resume direct contact with Moscow. He also warned against trying to forge a joint EU statement on Ukraine, pointing out that such decisions require unanimity among member states—a tool Hungary has often used to delay an escalation between Europe and Russia.
Echoing Orban’s sentiments, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico questioned Ukraine’s negotiating strength and insisted any EU statement must call for a ceasefire. He reaffirmed his country’s refusal to provide military or financial aid to Ukraine. Since assuming office in late 2023, Fico has ended military aid from Slovak army stockpiles, although private arms sales continue. Slovakia has also offered energy support to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
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Fico further pressed for the inclusion of Russian gas transit to Slovakia in the summit’s discussions, citing its importance due to a dispute with Kyiv over energy transit. He argued that unless the EU summit acknowledges alternatives to ongoing warfare, reaching a consensus on Ukraine may be impossible. Fico, who has previously echoed his requirements of energy and for that, wanted to advocate for a more neutral or conciliatory EU stance.
Despite his opposition to continued war efforts, Fico stated that Slovakia respects the broader EU strategy to bolster defence capabilities and understands the choices of member states that support Ukraine militarily and financially. However, he knows practically it is not possible.
Together, Orban and Fico’s opposition could significantly impact the EU’s ability to present a unified front on Ukraine. Their positions reflect broader divisions within the bloc and raise concerns about consensus on critical issues, including military aid, sanctions, and diplomatic engagement with Russia.